A former Nottinghamshire officer has been jailed for misusing the force's computer system to access information about people he knew.

Robert Kirk, 47, was sentenced to 8 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office at Derby Crown Court earlier this month.

Kirk had been a constable at Central Police Station until the investigation which began two years ago.

It was revealed he had used the computer system over a number of years to do searches on people he knew.

He resigned at the start of the month after he pleaded guilty.

“The sentence handed down to Robert Kirk today should send a clear message that no one is above the law. As we have stated before, Kirk repeatedly exploited his position, which gave him access to confidential information not just about the individuals he had become personally involved with, but potentially, many thousands of people."

– Officer DI Rob Allison

Officer DI Rob Allison went on to say that no one is above the law and there are consequences for those who fall below the standard the public expects.

”That is what has happened to Robert Kirk. After 25 years’ service he has lost has job and now he must serve a prison sentence, which is perhaps the greatest indignity to befall any serving police officer.”